Reconstruction and Representation

The preservation of cultural heritage through the means of virtual reconstructions has evolved in the last decade with the direct boost of internet based 3D applications and multimedia technologies. Virtual reconstructions or archaeological artefacts and sites have been a common place in museums where visitors can walk through a space and view them in a 'reconstructed environment' thus to recontextualize them in their original state in which these artefacts once were. This can be seen in the Eternal Egypt Project. The perception of replacing the tomb of King Tutankhamun into a three dimension model is clearly a benefit as the tomb is now empty.

The method of representing this information is as important as the content itself, studies regarding the use of such virtual representations show that visitors were encouraged with the use of the virtual space online. (Thomas and Carey 2005).

With use of advancing technology such as the internet websites can display historically reconstructed sites and artefacts (http://www.timeref.com/3dindex.htm) that may no longer exist. Alternatively artefacts that may be scattered over the globe or too fragile to travel can be combined and represented on an online virtual exhibition. Where, these exhibitions can offer 3D digitized models as well as information related to the content (Pavlidis 2006) which could be placed in a virtual space such as a exhibition hall to give the visitor a sense of being in the museum and reflect on the content (Corcoran et.al 2002).Common features of the above examples is simplicity of use, which is understandable - If a visitor in a real museum cant find a certain exhibit, frustration would occur and possibly putting them off from the exhibit all together!

Certainly museums now have technology that can re-presentation an exhibit on the internet but also in a physical state in a real life exhibit through the means of lighting, architecture and climate control. The use of such a collaboration and juxtaposing the past and present by means of technology, virtual information and the physical artefacts is not only a form of entertainment, but an educational tool which helps visitors make a personal connection Tolva (2005).

Virtual exhibits offer a way to complement a real exhibition, increasing it's scope and impact. As can be seen in earlier posts describing the reconstruction of Pomeii & the work by Earthworks, the use of combining varying media and a real-time experience engages an audience.

References

Corcoran, F., Demaine, J., Picard, M., Dicaire, L.G and Taylor, J. (2002) INUIT3D: An Interactive Virtual 3D Web Exhibition, Proceedings of the Conference on Museums and the Web 2002, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
G. Pavlidis, D., Tsiafakis, F., Arnaoutoglou, C., Chamzas (2006) MOMI: A Dynamic and Internet- Based 3D Virtual Museum of Musical Instruments, Xanthi, Greece
Thomas, W. A. and Carey, S (2005), Actual/Virtual Visits: What are the Links?, International conference on Museums and the Web 2005, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Tolva, J. (2005), Recontextualizing the Collection: Virtual Reconstruction, Replacement and Repatriation, International Conference on Museums and the Web 2005, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Weblinks

http://www.eternalegypt.org - The Eternal Egypt Project
http://www.timeref.com/3dindex.htm - 3D reconstructions of historical buildingshttp://www.ipet.gr/momi/ - Museum of Musical Instruments